Computer Science

RoboMaster 2020 Robotics Competition

In this project, students will learn AI and robot related technical disciplines (such as machine vision, embedded system design, mechanical control, inertial navigation, human-computer interaction, etc.) through designing and building intelligent robots according to the rules of the RoboMaster Robotics Competition. Different types of robots are required to cooperate with each other and work together to attack the base of the opponent and at the same time protect their own base. Students will form a team representing HKU to participate in the Competition and compete against other teams from all over the world.

RoboMaster @ 3rd Inno Show

Robomaster is a national robotic competition for university students, hosted by DJI during the summer vacation on a yearly basis. It combines technology and e-gaming competition style, thus being exciting and unconventional. HKU Robomaster has been recruiting enthusiastic engineering students since 2017. We aim to cultivate the quality of members that will benefit their career with the practical experience gained during the preparation and participation process. Our work is divided into technical management, machinal & hardware management, and software & algorithm development.

Communication Enhancements through Asymptotically Long Sequences of Noisy Quantum Channels

Conventionally, information suffers from exponential decay in long distance transmission. However, in exciting projects like building the quantum internet, an information carrier has to pass through many intermediate quantum servers before reaching the receiver. Such a goal cannot be achieved without a scheme of reliably transmitting data over a long sequence of noisy channels. Chiribella et al. formulated the second level of quantization of quantum information theory by considering the superposition of quantum trajectories and quantum channels and demonstrated communication advantage of this model. We apply the model further and show the theoretical feasibility of communication through asymptotically many noisy channels.

Investigation of Influencing Factors on the Engineering Properties of Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) Treated Soils

Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) is an emerging bio-geotechnical soil improvement technique to enhance the engineering performance of soil. Application of biotechnology has been suggested as an environmental-friendly alternative to conventional approaches. MICP involves using bacteria to hydrolyze urea into carbonate ions through bacterial metabolism. The carbonate ions combine with calcium ions to produce calcite crystal precipitates, which fill the soil pores and bind the soil grains together.

In this project, the effects of several influencing factors on the engineering properties of the MICP treated silica sand are investigated. Permeability and unconfined compressive strength tests will be carried out to characterize the engineering properties of the treated sand. Precipitation patterns of calcite crystals within the sand after MICP treatment will be investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

FOODator

FOODator is the world’s very first interactive culinary app. With FOODator, you will browse through the restaurants in the area with confidence and peace of mind. Find your perfect match in three simple steps! Swipe left to cycle through nearby restaurants, swipe right on your restaurant match to be presented with its relevant information. Chat with restaurant representatives to gain more information or to make reservations. Yes, it’s that simple. With FOODator, you’re guaranteed to find your perfect match! And the best part is, you’ll never second guess your decision ever again.

FOODator – new tastes, every day.

A Smart Robotic Walker with Intelligent Close-proximity Interaction Capabilities for Elderly Mobility Safety

We propose a novel smart robotic walker that targets a convenient-to-use indoor walking aid for the elderly. The walker supports multiple modes of interactions through voice, gait, or haptic touch, and allows intelligent control via learning-based methods to achieve mobility safety. Our design enables a flexible, initiative, and reliable walker due to three main functions. Our walker tracks users in front by detecting lower limb gait while providing close-proximity walking safety support. By monitoring force pressure on a specially designed soft-robotic interface on the handle, the walker can detect human intentions and predict emergency events. Our walker performs reinforcement learning-based sound source localization to locate and navigate to the user based on his/her voice signals.

Playing chess with robotic arm

This project aimed at building an autonomous chess-playing machine that can play chess with a human player at home. It consisted of making a robotic arm, building arm controller apps, applying openCV on the mobile phone, and building an AI chess engine.
The working logic are described as four steps. First, the phone capture an image of the chessboard. Then, it recognizes the chessboard and location and color of the piece. Next, the chess engine determines the next move and sends the command to the robotic arm. Finally, the robotic arm helps to move the piece.

Combing Physical and Virtual Gaming Experience – Hexplore Fort

Since the gaming industry is becoming saturated, players tend to raise their requirements to the quality of gaming experience. Fusion of physical and virtual gaming experience may provide a fresh feeling to the players. In this project, a single-player Augmented Reality (AR) mobile game called Hexplore Fort is developed, where the players can control a spider-like robot – hexapod to adventure with the storyline in the game. Players can explore the fort that is augmented by AR by controlling the movement of hexapod, collecting items, fighting with enemies and buying assistance provided by the spy, in order to capture the princess.